The Rage of Saints

The Shadow Watch #2

by S.A. Klopfenstein

She defied an empire... Now she's starting a war. The Shadow Watch has been undone. Their captain lies in the dungeons of the White Citadel, and the Gallows Girl has disappeared. Most of the surviving Watchers have joined the chancellor's new magical army, the Sky Guard, led by Darien Redvar, but the Gallows Boy is shaken from the return of the monsters of the Old World, and he must soon choose, once and for all, where his loyalties lie. Tori treks to the Great White North with an Alyut shaman, who believes she is the one who will bring Restoration to his people. A resistance is growing in the North, but Tori may not be the god the people are looking for, and the price of revolution may cost Tori her heart as well as her life. Meanwhile, another threat grows in strength. Old World monsters are rising up across the New World, and no one knows how they've returned. As nations ready themselves for a magical war, their return threatens to change everything. New alliances are set in place, new friendships are forged, new loves kindled. But no one is safe, for there can be no war without betrayal. Don't miss the latest installment in the best-selling epic fantasy series readers are comparing to Mistborn and Throne of Glass!

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy

546 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2020

About the author

Children of the Gods out Sept. 30.

Author of the Shadow Watch Saga, and the Rogue System trilogy.

Reviews

[James Harwood-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beasts from the old world roam again. Power in a tyrants grasp. Desperation & belief drives the rebels north. What awaits is less than welcoming.

Oh my! Swerves are staggering! More characters,magics & blitzing pace than its incredible predecessor! Amazing.

If you enjoy epic fantasy this is a can’t miss series. Such a treat.

[Peter Blomberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! S.A. Klopfenstein took the series to another level with this one. There are so many incredible scenes that stand out in my head as I reflect upon this book; ranging from beautiful to absolutely brutal. Sometimes when I read books and am at an intense part, I have to put my hand across the bottom half of the page so my darting eyes do not accidentally reveal something too soon. (I know, silly). I had to do this many times while reading The Rage of Saints, because Stephen did such an incredible job creating tension in just the right spots - I could not read the pages quickly enough!

This is a great second book to this series, and definitely a series I plan on reading more than once when it is finished.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The first one was a great set-up, but this one had some amazing twists and turns. I am so glad I bought the 4-book series because this second book left things completely upside down! Wow. This second book was much more complex and longer than the first book and raised it to the level of epic fantasy, with multiple nations and characters getting involved in the conflict. I was really glad I read along with the narration because it helped me keep track of all the various factions. That said, it was not a confusing story and the writing is very well done. There is a lot of character development that happens in this book and you start to question the motivations of everyone. This story is action-packed, brutal at times, and full of emotion, and I can't get enough. I am looking forward to diving into the next one!

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Wow! I've never read about a character who continues to be betrayed over and over again. Who has endured so much strife and keeps getting up to continue fighting for what is right.

I am so hoping that Tori finally catches a break in the next book of the series.

[S.A. Klopfenstein]

It's a great book. I wrote it. It comes out on March 26, 2019.

[ShannaBanana✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still don’t know how I feel about these books. Every time I start to enjoy it, I eventually lose interest and I just don’t feel any connector to the characters. I am hoping that our heroine continues her relationship with Alyk cause I like him and he pretty much told her he loves her. Of course now she’s separated from him and that group and the new enemy is with Alyk unbeknownst to him 😩 Now, can Darien just pick a side already? His character is somewhat interesting but I’m ready for him to choose his side. Kale too! Now that his love is gone, it’s time for him to get his head on straight. All of his bad choices revolved around her and it was obnoxious. I really felt that his character one I could come to love but not until he does the right thing and that is not betraying his brother. Although, Ren is a damn idiot too 🙄 He is definitely not my favorite. Sorry this review isn’t more positive it it’s just how I felt about it. Hopefully, I like the next one a lot more.

[Adia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly love this book so much. It's unpredictable, it's exciting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I definitely recommend this, and of course the first book too. If you want a fantasy book with a layered plot, this is for you. If you want something well written, this is for you. I am completely invested and the characters, so that might tell you something of the quality

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 5 out of 5 stars
The Book Junkie Reads . . .
06-10-21
back part 2 ...one epic adventure
Fantastic world of fantasy, determination, strength, resilience, friendship, truth, life,and so much more. Yes, here is where I tell you that you should have read/listen to the first book of this series. But at the same time I want to tell you that you can jump right in from here. I had the pleasure of listening to the first book and did so again before getting started on this second adventure of Tori and Darien.

Why I say that you could jump in from here? Well I say this because a friends was working in my space during the listen of The Rage of Saints, book two, and was all aboard from beginning to end. During our lunch break we discussed what we listened to up to that point. It was great. By the end of the three days it took us to listen, debate, question, and listen so more, let me just say that S.A. Klopfenstein got a new follower. I gifted a copy of both one and two of the series for future enjoyment. And if two adult were not enough of an endorsement, I got my pre-teen on the bandwagon. She loves the empowerment of girls angle and the adventure just added more.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Great world building Page-turner Wonderful characters

*****
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by S.A. Klopfenstein. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

[GuineaPigFalconer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book was so much better than the first, growing into the sort of fantasy I want: a large-scale plot, unpredictable twists and turns, and complex characters. I enjoyed having new POV characters this time around, especially Mischa, and I think as of now Darien is probably my favorite character. He’s very morally gray and totally unpredictable for it— both to others as well as himself.
Lots of good fight scenes, more elaborate worldbuilding, and yet another mega cliffhanger ending. Considering there’s still two thiccc books to go in this series, I can say with confidence I have no idea what’s going to happen. And that’s the best feeling!

[Kelli Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved it. Fast moving and always kept me guessing. Beautiful scenes, new characters to love but so much development of old ones. Definitely an unexpected ending. I can't wait for the next book!

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the series continues, the books keep getting stronger! I love the layers of deception and mystery in the story, and the characters continue to grow, even though they’re all quite flawed (which I love). Onto the next!

[Mikheil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot mess, but incongruously very entertaining

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Klopfenstein does not disappoint in book two! I really enjoyed the first book in The Shadow Watch series but “The Rage of Saints” brings even more to the table. I am not typically the type to get so into a book I can’t put it down, but the entire last half of this book I found myself flying through chapters anxious to know how things turn out. Each chapter is packed with action and surprise, ending on the characteristic Klopfenstein cliff hanger. The Rage of Saints is definitely a book of unforeseen twists and turns. New characters are introduced and existing character complexities further develop. The magical world also expands and takes on more shape with new unique magical elements embedded throughout the book. I kept thinking how incredible it would be to see this book depicted as a movie! Perhaps someday, but in the meantime I’ll anxiously await book three…!

[OpinionatedObserver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew this book would piss me off and it did. I hate redemption arcs. Especially for extremely unlikeable characters. Sometimes characters can just die

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shadow Watch has been broken and with it the hope Tori was building. Escaping capture she and one of her comrades from the Watch, Mischa, now face the brutal north. They are not left alone long soon coming into the care of a sage of the people who were driven into the north long ago from their home by the invaders. In this arctic world, Tori will be set back on her path as a leader. But this time, not all arms will welcome her and her cause. They might even be her end.

In the south, Darien is slightly conflicted after a death at the end of the first book. While the strange events have not deterred him from choosing his path had feels out of his depth in the new leadership positions he has. Not to mention struggling with his own personal romantic feelings.

On the other hand, Kale is increasingly unsettled with his decision to chose his heart over his family and the cause. He lets his conflict fester, pushing it down, all for the sake of returning to his love the things she has lost. Even still, he questions if this new quest will only increase the horrors he once tried to stop.

If the first book was a rough start, this one comes out running and barely takes a breath. The world and magic building absolutely explodes. The intrigue and plot twists keep coming. I don't think I've ever read a series where one character's life is at very real risk so many times and it manages to not to be annoying and seems practical for the events at hand. There are new characters and cultures with methods of performing and harnessing magic. New creatures that both destroy and end up being allied with human king are revealed. There is so much character development.

The pace is vastly improved. The multilayered plot is in place. The setup that makes you really question not when but if a character is going to lean in one direction, be a turncoat twice over, or is secretly working on their own agenda. This book is worlds above the introduction and a perfect example of why it's sometimes profitable to give something a second chance.

Now it wasn't perfect. New piled on romances from immediate encounters will always make me raise an eyebrow with skepticism. Though I do truly appreciate those characters are very piratical in their approach to relationships. There was some repetition and some cultural choices I question. However, as I noted in the first, some of that might come from some really regrettable inflection and accent choices in the audiobook might be exaggerating those feelings.

Now, let me be clear. I think it's perfectly fine to draw on real world accents to differentiate different groups. There are ways to respectfully integrate concepts that seem to span across different cultures. Sometimes it's just in the way a character is portrayed or the language use. ((Can I point to a series I've recently been making it through, Shadows of the Apt, in which just as notable as the author is the narrator's astounding work? )) The text itself for the most part seems even. But the accents chosen for certain characters and groups of people that feel like an outdated stereotype.

That said, with a whole new set of problems and reality ahead, I am actually really looking forward to continuing.

[Allyson Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Rage of Saints" brilliantly expands the world established in the first book of the Shadow Watch Saga, delivering a sequel that surpasses its predecessor in both scope and emotional depth.

Following the fall of the Shadow Watch and with their captain imprisoned in the dungeons of the White Citadel, the world stands on the brink of magical war. Tori Burodai, who previously defied an empire, now journeys to the Great White North with an Alyut shaman who believes she is destined to bring Restoration to his people. Her path is not an easy one, as she questions whether she's truly the savior they seek, and the revolution she's part of threatens to cost her both her heart and her life.

Meanwhile, Darien Redvar (the Gallows Boy) finds himself shaken by the return of monsters from the Old World. Leading the chancellor's new magical army, the Sky Guard, he faces a crucial decision about where his true loyalties lie. His internal struggle provides some of the book's most compelling moments, forcing readers to question the nature of allegiance in a world where old certainties are crumbling.

What sets "The Rage of Saints" apart is how it balances multiple storylines without losing momentum. The mysterious disappearance of the Gallows Girl, the rising resistance in the North, and the unexplained return of Old World monsters across the New World create a rich tapestry of conflict that goes beyond simple political struggles. These ancient threats add a cosmic dimension to the narrative, suggesting forces at work that neither side fully comprehends.

The author excels at developing relationships that feel authentic—new alliances form, friendships deepen, and romantic connections kindle amidst the chaos. The warning that "there can be no war without betrayal" creates constant tension, leaving readers wondering where the inevitable betrayals will come from.

The worldbuilding expands magnificently, particularly in the detailed portrayal of the Great White North and the Alyut people with their shamanic traditions. These new cultural elements add depth to the book's exploration of magic and its connection to faith and identity.

By its conclusion, "The Rage of Saints" leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment while still providing a satisfying arc within this volume.

[Joshua Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that was worth it! This series just keeps getting better. I said after the first book that I wanted more world-building and to better understand the magic system, and we get both of those things and so much more.

The characters were already interesting in the first book,and it's like they went from color to 4D in this book. The number of twists they endure through and sometimes insitigate propels the reader onward because you think you know what might happen, only to have the world flipped on its head again. They went from interesting to downright fascinating!

The view here is so much broader too - as it should be with a good middle installment - and it is setting up something pretty massive for book 3.

It's tough to say everything I loved about this book without dropping spoilers, so suffice it to say this is a series well worth reading!!

[Kelly Scriven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori is on the run in the North after the fall of the Watchtower and defection of most of her friends. Darien has aided the chancelor's success - but war is coming, and his loyalties will be tested. Monsters from the Old World are appearing to ravage every nation...and no one really knows why. Spanning multiple countries in a truly EPIC fantasy, Rage of Saints cranks everything up to 11. The stakes are higher, the characters are more in depth, and it still maintained the dang twists and turns and unexpected gasps the first one had. 5⭐️, not because I devoured it but because I couldn't, it required a slow and delightful savor.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good second book in the series. The author has created a tale of political intrigue and change where one side feels their cause is better than the other. Characters plot against each other to bring about the change they desire. It’s not until it is too late that the heroine discovers the plot to enact change that is not her desired outcome. The diverse landscape in the fictional land is well thought out and intriguing. How a culture has survived when forced to live in a frozen world and have discovered ways to use what they have been given was cleverly derived.

[Jordan Encee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deal with the devil you know and not the devil you don’t

Much better than the first. I feel the pacing in the story so much better than first. I felt the story really ramp up especially with the battles. Very fun and deep action here.
Though I will say of FMC did get rescued a lot. I did feel that she was put into a lot unfair situation but she had someone help literally at the very moment she needed. Now she does have some pretty epic moments here but just not a whole lot.
But I am curious to see where the next book goes. I hope it was just as exciting as this one.

[Baseball Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure how I feel about this series. First off, I cannot get into Tori as the MFC. She kind of seems like a ripoff of Alina from Shadow & Bone but far more annoying.

The premise & fantasy world is a good one but there are way too many irritating characters & truly how many people can switch allegiances as often as I change socks & betray every one of their allies?

Since I’m halfway through the series I’ll of course finish it. Hoping that book 3 has some growth for Tori because so far she’s a complete fool & I’m not buying that she’s the savior of anybody let alone her world.

[S. Nomakeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the audiobook from AudiobookBoom in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 in the Watcher Epic finds our protagonist Tori in new situations with new characters and some old favorites. The evil ruler is still at large and the dynamics have changed. The story is not resolved but the reader/listener is not left on edge. The narration is excellent. I look forward to the continuing story.

[Nikki Lally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to the next installment...

...which is the best compliment I think I can give about a book. The characters are interesting and easy to sympathize with, even the ones you may not particularly like. The plot is complex enough to keep the reader guessing. Thanks for a captivating story.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Next?

After the first book comes he second... Tori takes on more and grows into herself. The story is amazingly well written, and having completed it you can see my next question... do they get what they need will they solve the mysteries and will Darien ever be good for Tori

[Hedi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Theoretically, an epic story full of morally grey characters, betrayals, wars, parallel worlds, monsters, journeys and magic should be something of a treat. NOT applicable for this one.

Took way longer than acceptable to finish the first book in the series and more than a week-and-a-half to get through the second, despite the audio format (...you know, the thing that allows one to play a book as background whilst doing all the important stuff that needs to get done, therefore allowing for a decent level of literary consumption…)

But even worse, it left behind a reading slump of a depth I've not been in for years. To clarify, from February to April this year I’ve read/listened to 26-29 books each month.
In May I managed… drumroll… 7 and even that only because before making the tremendous effort of getting through 2/4 of this Shadow Watch stuff, I had already read two short stories and in the last week of May I switched to Harry Potter, just to stop the hole from getting deeper still…

Nothing else I can really say but “Do not bother, even if free.”

Now what the heck am I going to do about the remaining 2 books in this series??

[Jessica Mathes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one better than the first! There were a lot of twists and turns that were surprising and made the story a little more complex.

I’m curious to continue and find out what happens to Tori now! And Darien!

[Aleš Japelj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came for the magic and now i've got what?
Main character not evolving her magic but lost her magic :/ I love how it is a complete mess with betrayals and other relationships between characters though.
I have doubts now to continue with this saga.

[Gladis Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read!

I really enjoyed this book. Very creative and very well written. It’s completely addicting! Looking forward to the third book!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just keeps getting better and better! And the plot twists are getting insane as well! Once you read you'll keep wanting to know more! Looking forward in finishing the next book!

[JW Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic Fantasy

War, love, betrayal, hope - all on a grand scale. Just like epic fantasy should be. Wish there way less violence, but perhaps that's not possible in this kind of tale.